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Status report for @Steelers: Ike Taylor, Shamarko Thomas, Steve McLendon are out; Marcus Gilbert is doubtful; Ryan Shazier is probable
— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) October 24, 2014
The Steelers will be without Shamarko Thomas for a third straight game, and nose tackle Steve McLendon will miss his second straight, according to Steelers Digest editor Bob Labriola. The Steelers face the Indianapolis Colts at 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday in Week 8.
McLendon suffered a shoulder injury in Pittsburgh's Week 6 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Cam Thomas shifted over from defensive end to nose tackle, and rookie Stephon Tuitt got his first start. It would appear that'll be the same this week against Indianapolis.
Thomas injured his hamstring in a Week 5 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. It prompted the promotion of Ross Ventrone from the practice squad, so it would appear Ventrone will get a helmet in the last of three mandatory weeks he must spend on the active roster. Whether he remains there upon Thomas's return remains to be seen.
It's all but certain that right tackle Marcus Gilbert will miss Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts as well, after suffering a concussion against the Houston Texans in Week 7. Mike Adams will likely get his first start of the season in Gilbert's absence.
The good news is rookie linebacker Ryan Shazier will most likely be activated for his first game since suffering a knee injury against Carolina in Week 3. It would seem likely he'll return to the starting lineup, but Sean Spence has played reasonably well in Shazier's absence. Perhaps they'll split snaps. But that will be difficult, considering the Colts' tendency to use a no-huddle offense most often, which prevents substitutions.